Final answer:
Horticulture is an extensive, small-scale, environment-dependent form of farming that uses methods like slash-and-burn, whereas intensive agriculture is labor-intensive, sustains larger populations through advanced techniques like irrigation, and often leads to surplus that supports societal complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing horticulture and intensive agriculture, we examine two distinct subsistence strategies of plant cultivation. Horticulture is an extensive form of farming that begins with clearing land, often using slash-and-burn techniques, to grow crops. This method is labor-intensive and provides for the local community's needs without creating much surplus. An example of horticulture is practiced by the Kayapó people of the Amazonian rainforest, who employ a flexible system mixing plant cultivation with hunting and gathering.
In contrast, intensive agriculture involves the repeated and sustained cultivation of the same plots of land. It employs advanced techniques such as plowing, irrigation, and terracing to mass-produce commodities. This method supports larger populations and allows for specialization as it generates greater yields and surplus. Intensive agriculture leads to the development of villages, towns, and cities, as seen in many modern societies.